Counseling for Teens

There is something you must always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

-A.A. Milne (Winnie The Pooh)

The teenage years are often the most difficult time for your child. This is a huge transitional period for a person. Beginning their journey to maturity your child will begin to expand their awareness and perceptions of the world. In addition this period brings about much experimenting and change in their personal styles, friendships, and interests; as they are finding their own identities and figuring out where they fit in the world.

This can be an emotionally chaotic time in life and it is important to make sure your child gets the help and guidance they need when they are struggling. Many teenagers will not vocalize their need for help so it is up to the parent to recognize the signs of their child struggling and calling out for help in other ways.

PARENTS, Is your teen struggling with or showing signs of:

-Low self esteem -Drug or Alcohol Use

-Depression -Poor Peer Choices

-Anxiety -Underachievement (failing classes/falling grades)

-Suicidal Thoughts -Manipulation

-Anger -Authority

-Low motivation -Family Conflict

-Behavioral issues -Other Risky Behaviors

-Extreme Mood Swings -Aggression/violence towards others

We can provide assistance in all of these areas as well as; divorce adjustment, loss, trauma, body image, and identity issues. We strive to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where your teen can express themselves and their concerns, and work through their emotional struggles. We hope to provide your child with a deeper understanding of themselves where they can reach self acceptance and learn more about the path they want to lead in their life. In addition we work to provide your child with healthy coping skills for those times when life gets rocky and the emotional strength to utilize those skills.

PARENTS are involved throughout the therapeutic process therapy. However, we recommend allowing your teen to have some privacy to work through the problems they are experiencing. Not allowing your child to have confidentiality in their sessions can be detrimental to the therapeutic process, so we ask that you allow your child to have privacy with what they choose to discuss in sessions. If you do allow for this confidentiality it does not mean you are out of the loop. We will keep you updated on the therapeutic process through meeting with you or telephone conversations. We want to help your child and assist you as a parent in learning how you can support your teenager during this time.

Parenting sessionsare also available and are recommended in certain circumstances;such as out of control behaviors (drug and alcohol use, cutting school, running away, threats of suicide, violence, bullying, failing classes, and other risky behaviors).

In addition to individual sessions we offer family therapy sessions. This involves the entire family meeting in session together to work on relationships and communication in hopes of resolving family conflict issues by finding better ways to work through conflict and to reach the goals set by the family.

TEENS:

-Do you feel lost and confused about who and where you are in life?

-Do you feel that no one listens to you or understands where you are coming from?

-Do you feel alone and disconnected from your family and friends?

-Do you feel like you are in a constant battle with your parents and that they just don't understand what you are going through?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then it might be helpful to come and talk with with one of our therapists. We have experience working with adolescents of all ages who are having trouble in various areas of their lives. You no longer have to feel like you are alone or that no one understands you. We can help you reach a better place and gain hope and healing no matter what you are going through. Keep in mind that therapy is a place for you to feel safe and comfortable to express your inner most thoughts and feelings without judgement. Most of what we discuss in our conversations will stay private (just between you and your therapist) and will not be spoken to your parents or anyone else.

THERAPY APPROACHES

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Narrative Therapy

Solution-Focused

Existential

Gestalt

Child-Centered

Play Therapy

If you would like to schedule an appointment or have questions please contact us at (502)612-9129 or fill out the contact form below and we will contact you today by phone or email!